Chinese IoT satellite constellation completes first phase for global communications

Chinese IoT satellite constellation completes first phase for global communications
by Riko Seibo
Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Sep 26, 2025
A Chinese satellite network dedicated to Internet of Things (IoT) services has achieved global surface coverage, excluding polar regions, with the deployment of its first-phase constellation of 64 satellites.

The milestone was reached following the launch of 11 Geely-06 satellites from a sea platform in Shandong province. The deployment marks the culmination of six launches between 2022 and 2025, ensuring both reliability and continuous availability of the network.

Geespace, the satellite division of Geely Holding Group, designed the constellation to support 20 million users worldwide. The system can manage up to 340 million messages per day, serving 5 million high-frequency users and an additional 15 million medium- and low-frequency accounts. Data packets of up to 1,900 bytes can carry text, voice, and images.

The first-phase network will grow to 72 satellites, enhancing resilience and capacity. Longer term, Phase Two envisions 264 satellites capable of direct-to-smartphone communication, while Phase Three projects 5,676 satellites to provide global broadband connectivity. With Phase One operational, Geespace plans to expand commercial IoT services worldwide.

Beyond IoT, the constellation underpins connected-vehicle networks, enabling real-time communication and positioning for Geely automobiles. Several Geely Zeekr and Galaxy electric vehicles are now fitted with satellite links, allowing drivers to maintain connectivity when terrestrial networks fail.

Partnerships with China Unicom, Geely Auto, and machinery giant Zoomlion are advancing applications in intelligent vehicles, marine fisheries, construction, and logistics. Earlier this year, China Unicom successfully tested a two-way "vehicle-satellite-platform" connection, validating low-orbit satellite integration for connected cars and emergency communications.

The system supports low-frequency, ultra-low-power operations to reduce costs and prolong device lifespans. In emergencies, priority channels enable immediate communications. Globally, Geespace has agreements with telecom operators in more than 20 nations and completed its first overseas trial in Oman in June 2024.

To sustain production, Geespace operates an intelligent gigafactory in Taizhou, reducing satellite build time to 28 days while scaling output and lowering costs. The company has also partnered with Peking University to advance next-generation communication and computing technologies, launching an experimental satellite from their joint lab during the latest mission.